Jose Figueira named Auckland City FC coach

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 1 July 2019

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Jose Figueira as the club's new head coach.

The All Whites assistant coach will commence his tenure in control of the Auckland City FC first team together with the role of Director of Methodology for the Auckland City FC Academy in late August. He shares this role alongside Academy directors Nic Downes and Ivan Vicelich following the departure of former project lead Camilo Speranza who took up a head coach role in the Ecuadorian premier league.

Figueira beat a quality field of applicants from New Zealand and abroad to lead Auckland City FC into an exciting phase of its future where he previously spent two spells as head coach of the club's youth team, winning the title in 2008-09.

The 37-year-old is no stranger to Kiwitea Street having led the Navy Blues sister club Central United to the Lotto NRFL Premier Division title in 2016 and a runners-up finish in the ISPS Handa Chatham Cup in 2014.

Figueira is currently the New Zealand U-17 head coach and will lead his charges into the FIFA U-17 World Cup in October. He has also been nominated for the New Zealand Football Coach of the Year award for the second year running after winning the title in 2017.

Auckland City FC have named New Zealand assistant coach Jose Figueira (@JoseCoaching) as their new head coach for the forthcoming #ISPSHanda & #OFCChampsLeague season. Former NY Red Bull, @TeamWelly & @CentralUtd_FC coach starts officially on September 1. pic.twitter.com/ppg2KzhCCl

— Gordon Watson (@Gordon_Watson) July 1, 2019

Figueira’s education as a coach began with The FA where he completed his UEFA B award. He holds completed his OFC/NZF 'A' Licence in December 2017.

He spent almost two years working as Regional Training Program coach with Major League Soccer franchise New York Red Bulls where he implemented the club's player development programme and provided education to local community coaches in New York and Jersey.

Most recently, Figueira guided Team Wellington to both the OFC Champions League and ISPS Handa Premiership titles culminating in qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup in UAE last year.

Auckland City FC chairman Ivan Vuksich said the club was delighted to secure Figueira’s services.

“We are very happy to welcome Jose back to Kiwitea Street. What we looked for in a coach was the ability to generate excitement and passion with a clear vision of where he wanted to take not only our first team but also our youth and grassroots programme.

“The by-products of this vision need to produce a style that is entertaining and relevant to the modern game – a style that the players will understand and embrace as theirs.

"Jose has a wealth of experience within the domestic and regional game and he has worked with Auckland City FC and Central United before which was another quality we saw as important.

“Jose successfully implemented his own football philosophy, methodology and developmental pathways at work at his previous club and has a proven track record of success," Vuksich said.

Hello!!! That's one hell of a replacement for Ramon. The only domestic manager capable of beating him. The Blues will remain powerful. https://t.co/6FriYUtUpG

— Alex Fydryszewski (@AFydryszewski) July 1, 2019

"He’s young in terms of his age but experienced in terms of his coaching development. Jose also has the experience to implement the changes needed throughout the club in the future including the youth team and player development.

"He’s a young and ambitious coach and has agreed to take the next step with us and we’re confident he is the right person to return us to the top of both the ISPS Handa Premiership and OFC Champions League."

Figueira was delighted to put pen to paper and rekindle his relationship with a club he holds dear. He’s also ready for the challenge of continuing the club’s tradition of success at home and abroad.

“It is a great feeling to be coming back to a club that holds a special place in my heart and somewhere that really does feel like home. I have many positive memories from my time at the club, a strong connection with Kiwitea Street and I’m excited to both reconnect with those as well as create new memories in the exciting years at Auckland City FC.

“When people think of Auckland City FC they are immediately drawn to the success the club has had over many years. The club has a big reputation and is associated with winning titles.

“I'm comfortable with the expectations that come with Auckland City FC as a club and I’m confident I can help the club grow further and deliver here as a coach. Pressure is something that I thrive on but for me the most important thing is the opportunity and the challenge.

“I’m really excited by the challenge to lead the club as head coach, but also the opportunity to help define and implement this methodology through the Academy and club as a whole really excites me.

“I would like to thank the board, club members, our supporters and Ivan Vuksich for showing faith in me as the person they see leading the club into an exciting new era. Their backing is vital and I’m looking forward to getting started,” he said.

Figueira officially commences in his roles on September 1.

Ends

Surprising big move for Auckland! From one NZ top club to another for Figueira! https://t.co/EI5T4a3mDx

— Football in Oceania (@FtblOceania) July 1, 2019

Extra Information

Factfile
Jose Figueira

Previous Clubs
Team Wellington 2016 - 2019
Central United 2014 - 2016
Auckland City FC 2008 - 2011, 2016
New York Red Bull 2012 - 2014

International Honours
All Whites assistant coach (April 2018-present)
New Zealand U-17 men's head coach (April 2014-March 2015, 2018-present)
New Zealand U-17 women's assistant coach (January 2006-December 2008)

Honours
FIFA Club World Cup 2018 - 7th place
OFC Champions League winners 2018
OFC U-16 Men's Championship 2018
OFC U-17 Men's Championship 2015
ISPS Handa Premiership winners 2016-17
NZF Charity Cup winners 2017
Lotto NRFL Premier Division winners 2016
National Youth League 2009

OFC Champions League runners-up 2017
ISPS Handa Premiership runners-up 2018-19
ISPS Handa Premiership runners-up 2017-18
ISPS Handa Chatham Cup runners-up 2014
NZF Charity Cup runners-up 2018
NZF Charity Cup runners-up 2016

NZF Coach of the Year nominee 2018, 2019
Wellington Regional Sportsperson of the Year (Coach) finalist 2017

Education
OFC/NZF 'A' Licence
The FA UEFA A Pre Course
NZF Level 3 Coaching Award
Coach Educators Award (Certificate Level)
International Team Coaching Licence
Coach Educators Award (Developmental Level)
The FA - Level 3: UEFA B Award
The FA - Level 2: UEFA B (Part I)
The FA - Tops Community Coaching Award
The FA - Junior Team Managers Certificate